HR0703 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0703 LRB093 19758 KEF 47577 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Hemophilia is a genetic condition affecting approximately 700 persons in the State of Illinois; hemophilia is characterized by the absence of one of the several clotting factors necessary to control bleeding; the standard care for the treatment of hemophilia is to replace the absent clotting factors necessary to control bleeding; and

WHEREAS, Without treatment, people with hemophilia face frequent, spontaneous bleeding episodes in their joints causing swelling in the joint, muscles, internal organs, and brain; repeated bleeding episodes in joints result in a chronic degenerative arthritic condition, which often leads to frequent hospitalizations, permanent disability, and chronic pain; bleeding episodes involving internal organs and the brain can cause permanent damage, disability, and even death; and

WHEREAS, Severe bleeding episodes result in lost time at work and school, decreased quality of life, and inability to perform basic living activities; and

WHEREAS, With proper care and access to comprehensive medical resources, persons with hemophilia can control bleeding episodes and can lead productive lives; and

WHEREAS, The Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Hemophilia Foundation recommends recombinant factor products as the treatment of choice for persons with hemophilia VIII and IX; and

WHEREAS, Visits to Hemophilia Treatment Centers reduced morbidity by 60 percent; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is committed to the proper medical treatment of hemophilia; and

WHEREAS, Hemophilia and its complications are not well understood by the general public; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois encourages efforts to promote the understanding of hemophilia so that it is treated properly; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that March, 2004, and each March thereafter be designated Hemophilia Awareness Month to enhance the understanding and proper treatment of hemophilia and to encourage participation in activities to support programs to properly treat hemophilia.